Best of The Herd

We’re live in Los Angeles for Super Bowl week, and everyone’s asking the same thing: Seattle looks like the better roster, but I lean New England.

The Patriots got buried by early losses and a soft slate, but seven of the last ten champs lived on easy schedules and this team has won sixteen of seventeen.

It’s not college ball, it’s results; lately New England’s coaching, defense, late-game poise, and ownership have all graded out at the top.

Quick NBA detour: the Knicks cover for their guards with defenders, while the Lakers doubled down on slow creators who don’t guard and it shows.

If your star won’t be a stopper, surround him with athletes who are, which L.A. has not done.

On the Vikings firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah right after extending him, the lesson is harsh and obvious: get quarterback right or nothing else matters.

Letting Sam Darnold walk, missing other viable options, and choosing JJ McCarthy became the scar that stuck, not paternity leave or minor friction with the coach.

Where I was right and wrong: Belichick without Brady was always going to split voters, Cooper Flagg looks like a generational hit, the Packers were right to extend LaFleur and Gutekunst, and defense clearly cycled back in the final four.

I’m skeptical of the Browns’ Todd Monken move and wary of Philly’s OC hire given that job’s built-in landmines.

You’ve lived this week; is the hoopla disruptive or can it be routine?

If your organization has done it, the week is scripted and calming, and coaches like Vrabel and Macdonald will treat it like familiar ground.

That first series can feel surreal; what did it feel like for you?

I came out too amped, forced throws to our top target, and Dick LeBeau immediately adjusted, so the lesson is play your game and gather information, not chase a narrative.

What if Seattle’s speed stings early; can New England still settle into itself?

Yes, because Patriots football travels with screens, commitment to the run, and Josh McDaniels’ answers, plus I expect trick plays to slow the rush and keep it tight.

Does Clint Kubiak’s looming exit distract Sam and Seattle?

It can split focus, so you flip it into a one-last-ride message and pour everything into this week.

Do limited reps hurt, or can they help like Sam just showed?

Sometimes an injury forces you to play on time and within structure, hit the shot when it’s there, and avoid extra hitches.

What’s the actual practice plan now?

It’s cleanup and rest with a normal Wednesday-Thursday-Friday flow, sharpening the blade rather than adding volume.

Last one, nerves on the walkout or just adrenaline?

I was buzzing, calmed down with a quick prayer, and the familiar home-song vibe at a neutral site spikes the rush well before the anthem and pageantry make you wait.

All week from L.A., we’ve got a great matchup on deck and plenty more to come.